All How-To Topics
February/March issue no. 225
On Sale: January 31, 2012
Subscribers should receive this issue by February 16.
On the Cover:
Choose the best backerboard for durable tilework
Kitchens & Baths:
Read the issue online.
| Articles |
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|---|---|
A BUILT-IN CORNER SEATING NOOK Plywood boxes assemble into an elegant, comfortable kitchen bench with storage Read this article online  |
36 |
| RESTORE A WOOD ENTRY DOOR Let the wood shine through with a marine-grade finish that’s sure to last Read this article online |
42 |
| TORTURE TEST: SPADE BITS AND BEYOND We take traditional spades and their modern competitors for a spin Read this article online |
47 |
| TILE BACKERBOARD OPTIONS Before you begin tiling, make sure that you’ve chosen the right substrate Read this article online |
50 |
| FOAM SHRINKS, AND OTHER LESSONS What we learned from updating a 16-year-old deep-energy retrofit Read this article online |
55 |
| TOOL TEST: SIDEWINDER CIRCULAR SAWS The best saws combine speed, visibility, and a guard that opens in any cutting position Read this article online |
60 |
| FRAMING TRICKY TRUSS ROOFS Speed production with trusses made for hips and valleys Read this article online |
66 |
| A WATERSHED MOMENT The winner of the 2011 Solar Decathlon offers an educated glimpse at tomorrow’s environmentally sensitive, energy-smart homes Read this article online |
72 |
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| Departments |
Page |
| CONTRIBUTORS |
10 |
| LETTERS |
12 |
| HOW IT WORKS Roof Trusses |
18 |
| TIPS & TECHNIQUES Drywall patch Aligning drywall corner bead Controlling planer shavings on site Tune up your chalk box A better way to store clamps Baluster spraying and drying rack Solid ladder footing on a slick deck Variable outfeed pipe support |
20 |
| TOOLS & MATERIALS Lowes does drills? Smooother, safer blade dispenser Ultimate touch-up kit Roof boot, revised Air-hose multitap Magazine extra: Video: Tool Hound: Kobalt Enters the Corless-Tool Market |
26 |
| WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? Liquid Solvents |
32 |
| PROJECT GALLERY |
76 |
| QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Close off gable vents? Painful skin cracks |
78 |
| ENERGY-SMART DETAILS Air-Sealing a Basement |
82 |
| BUILDING SKILLS Outfitting a Tool Belt  |
84 |
| DRAWING BOARD Comfortable Dining Nooks |
88 |
| MASTER CARPENTER French Polish for a Showpiece Handrail | 92 | INDEX TO ADVERTISERS |
97 |
| TAILGATE Bill Smithers, Builder |
98 |
| BACK COVER Linking Logs |
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